BJP bid to ‘expose’ Ibobi govt

OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Imphal, Feb. 15: The Manipur unit of the BJP today constituted an RTI cell to seek information on development activities with the aim of “exposing” the Okram Ibobi Singh government’s “misdeeds”, keeping an eye on the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP has gained strength in the recent past with former ministers and political heavyweights joining the party after former Union minister of state for youth affairs and sports Thounaojam Chaoba Singh took over the reins of the party as president.

Chaoba Singh today announced the formation of the RTI cell during a reception function organised at the party head office here to welcome newly joined party member Khangenbam Menjor Singh, a retired joint director of the higher education department.

Menjor contested in last year’s Assembly elections on a Trinamul Congress ticket from Kumbi Assembly constituency of Bishnupur district. He finished third.

The three-member RTI cell is headed by L. Jatra Singh as the convener. Singh is a former minister and former MPP president. He recently joined the BJP.

“Corrupt practices by the Okram Ibobi Singh government during its more than 10-year rule have ruined Manipur. As a result, there is no development in the state. It has failed to construct roads, provide drinking water and electricity. The RTI cell will seek information to find out where all the development money has gone and we will expose financial irregularities,” Chaoba Singh said.

The BJP is trying to project itself as an alternative to the Congress not only in Manipur but also in Delhi.

Former minister and historian Gangmumei Kamei also joined the BJP recently.

He has been made co-convener of the core committee, the decision-making body of the state unit.